Oudtshoorn, 8 April 2021 – It is with sadness to announce the passing on of the Oudtshoorn Municipality’s councillor, Klaas Windvogel (60). He succumbed to death after losing battle with long illness on Wednesday, 7 April 2021 at the Klein Karoo Medi-Clinic at approximately 17:30.
Windvogel was an ANC proportional councillor in the Oudtshoorn Municipal Council since August 2016. He also served a proportional councillor in the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) during the same period.
His death has prompted an outpouring grief and tributes from local government fraternity, Dysselsdorp and the community of the Greater Oudtshoorn, and had social media went abuzz with messages of condolences, owing to his legendary service in the sphere of local government and community work, specifically in the community of Dysselsdorp.
The Executive Mayor of the Greater Oudtshoorn, Chris Macpherson praised Windvogel as a gentleman who was held in high esteem by both his party, the ANC, and members of the Oudtshoorn Municipal Council. “We are deeply saddened with a loss of a colleague of such a great calibre,” said Mayor Macpherson. “We will remember him as a gentleman and an exemplary leader with vast experience in Local Government. His contribution in Council was always valued, as he held best interest for the town,” Macpherson added.
Windvogel’s involvement in local government dates back in 1993 when he was a member of the Transition Forum in Dysselsdorp which operated in terms of the Local Government Transition Act, Act 209 of 1993. He became one of the first transitional councillors in 1995 and served in Dysselsdorp Transitional Council until the dawn of amalgamation of local councils in 2000.
Following the amalgamation of Dysselsdorp and De Rust Transitional Councils with the Oudtshoorn Municipal Council in 2001. Windvogel continued to serve as councillor in the Council of the Greater Oudtshoorn until 2006. Thereafter, he got involved with a number of community based initiatives and organisations. Some of the many organisations he serve in are N2 Rural Development Forum, Department of Rural Development and Land Reform’s Council of Stakeholders, Waaikraal Trust, Dysselsdorp Small Farmers Association, Dysselsdorp Liquorice Board, Community Policing Forum, Hoop in Aksie Cooperative and many more.
Councillors from different political parties within the Greater Oudtshoorn poured tributes to mourn the late councillor and community leader:
- Speaker of the Greater Oudtshoorn Council, Cllr. Julia le Roux-Krowitz:
“Councillor Windvogel was a councillor in Oudtshoorn for many years, and served in a number of terms. Even though we did not agree politically, he was always a gentleman and would always meticulously apply his mind on an issue. I appreciate his calmness in meetings and his exceptional approach at difficult circumstances. We are going to miss him; he’s been ill for a very long time, but I was always in contact with him to find out how he was doing before every meeting. Although he was ill, he remained involved with the business of Council. As speaker, I am going to miss his input in Council.”
- DA Chief Whip, Cllr. Hendrik Botha:
“I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere condolences on behalf of all my colleagues to the family and friends of our beloved colleague and friend. His passing is considered a great loss to the community. I am who I am today because of Klaas, his wisdom and knowledge that he lavishly shared with me carried me through life. My sincere sympathy to the family in this sad time. May his soul rest in peace.”
- Chief Whip of the ANC, Cllr. Jongilizwe Tyatya:
“The ANC would like to express with deep shock and sadness at the sudden death of Comrade Klaas Windvogel. For the ANC, he was a long term and deeply valued comrade and dearest friend to many. A high level of dedication and commitment in the fight for poor people, is what he always portrayed and fought for. In politics of our region in realization of comradeship and true leadership. On behalf of the African National Congress I convey heartfelt condolences to the entire membership of the ANC, to his wife, children and all other members of his family. Let us pledge to carry out all his revolutionary ideals. Amandla! (Power to the people).”
- EFF Chief Whip, Cllr. Diswayne Maarman:
“Sincere condolences to the Windvogel family and friends on the passing of Cllr Windvogel. Extending also to the constituency he served in the Greater Oudtshoorn municipality and Dysselsdorp community. A leader, father, husband and colleague you will not be forgotten for your contribution in politics and council.”
- Former, councillor and speaker of the Greater Oudtshoorn, Charlie Wagenaar who has worked with Windvogel for many years:
“Klaas was a wise man, deep intelligent, development orientated. We will miss that type of leadership.”
Windvogel is survived by his wife Caroline, his four daughters, two step-children and six grandchildren.